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Iconic WWII Jet Returns To Westchester County Airport After Restoration

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – The iconic “T-Bird” aircraft that last year was removed from its perch at the Westchester County Airport has returned.

Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino speaks during a rededication ceremony welcoming back a World WarII training airplane that had been removed from the Westchester County Airport for restoration.

Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino speaks during a rededication ceremony welcoming back a World WarII training airplane that had been removed from the Westchester County Airport for restoration.

Photo Credit: submitted

The plane, a Lockheed T-33 jet used as a training aircraft during World War II, had stood at the airport since 1997, according to a statement from Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino. It was taken down last year so that it could be restored.

During a rededication ceremony Thursday to celebrate the plane’s return, Astorino was joined by Lt. Col. Joseph Wooley of the Civil Air Patrol and group commander of the Southeast Group of the New York Wing station at the airport, and Peter Scherrer, the county airport’s manager.

“We welcome back to the Westchester County Airport this icon of American strength and ingenuity,” Astorino said. “Most importantly, we rededicate this monument, reaffirm our gratitude and respect to the men and women who have served, and continue to serve in the New York Air National Guard.”

Only 7,000 of the jets were ever produced and just a few remain today, according to Astorino. The plane at the Westchester County Airport stands as a monument dedicated to the men and women of the New York Air National Guard.

The plane, which is on loan from the U.S. Navy, will “continue to be maintained in all her glory,” Astorino said.

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